Coolant Tank

Posted in Uncategorized by admin on September 17, 2008

Coolant Tank

Keeping an Eye on Engine Coolant

The performance, durability and reliability of the car engine are dependant on the performance of the engine coolant. Most people are oblivious of the important role that this fluid plays. Unknown to them, is that this fluid prevents the engine from over heating during the hot season. Most people think that water in the radiator serves this purpose. Since, water in the radiator serves to cool the engine, engine coolant liquid accentuates this process by raising the waters boiling point thus, allowing the water to carry extra heat from the engine. This then results in a more efficient cooling system that is cannot be achieved by water alone.

Checking the coolant levels in the car engine is quite simple, since the coolant tank is usually made of an opaque material, with legible markings on the side. The indication marks make it easy for the car owner to make out the levels of the engine coolant. However, one should note that to check on the level of the engine coolant liquid, the engine should be completely cool. This is because the coolant liquid expands during if the engine is hot especially when it is running. Reading the coolant levels in this status would therefore give the car owner inaccurate results. Low coolant levels may lead to the engine overheating more rapidly and this could have disastrous effects. Thus, one is required to maintain sufficient levels of engine coolant liquid.

The coolant also serves to reduce the disastrous effects that water has on the metallic part of an engine. Additionally, the coolant also acts as a lubricant for the water pump. Although coolants come in different colors, depending on the brand and manufacturer, the most vital property that should be manifested by the liquid the heat dissipating characteristic. Depending on the chemical composition of different coolants available in the market, it is important that the car owner identify the coolant that best meets their requirements. This is because coolants that are based on cutting oil or ethylene glycol have different performance levels. Other additives used in coolants include potassium dichromate, trisodium phosphate and sodium nitrate.

The moment one notes that the coolant level needs to be topped up, one should then check the car manual to determine whether the manufacturer recommends a particular brand or coolant type. Some car manufacturers may not be specific about the coolant to use, but may have instructions on how to go about adding the coolant. Some coolants may need to be mixed with water first. One may be able to add the coolant liquid personally or hire a maintenance professional to do it for them. Thus, for one to top up the coolant level, firstly one should open the coolant reservoir and pour the liquid to the required level in the overflow tank and subsequently check to make certain that the fluid is retained. They should then reseal the reservoir tank. If the coolant levels keep depreciating at a rapid rate, the car owner should have the car thoroughly inspected for leaks.

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